DISmoms 4 - The Hunt for Jack Sparrow

[podsnel]

There's someone walking on the beach in the dark with a flashlight

LOL- that might be me in 2 days! Keep watching!

 

[podsnel]

Have a fantastic trip!

Thank you sooo much! I PROMISE to live up to that challenge!!!!

 

[Mysteria]

So much fun you ladies are having!

I'm probably too late for you to see this but have a great time in Hawaii!!!

 

[podsnel]

I know they are supposed to start the construction at Aulani on 9/10/12 but try to leave it in one piece please...DW and I will be there in 2 weeks!

Love your cruise TR...one day...if DW will ever stop talking about increasing my life insurance whenever we talk about a cruise!

Did you get the pm I sent to you about the scuba scooter excursion in Honolulu?

Yes!!!! I am so sorry I didn't respond- I saw it when I had the stomach flu in Florida, and I forgot about it because I was so busy....ummmm.... Spending the day in the bathroom, lol! That is a great deal- and it sounds really really fun! And I would have booked it- of I had not already sent a deposit to kayak and scuba with a guy in the north shore- he gave us a Discount to do both with him, so we did- or we are-
I will do my best to leave aulani all in one piece for you- but no promises!!! So excited! Tonight we'll be on Kauai!!!! I can't believe this big trip is finally here!!!!

 

[podsnel]

I'll try to make an effort to comment more often.... still not good at loading pics, but working on it. See I actually multi-quoted this time!

I'm very proud of you! It's not rocket science- its a matter of opening a photobucket acct, then copying the last link and pasting it here.... You can do it Joanie!!!!

 

[stinksmom]

Have a great time in Hawaii, Ellen! I can't wait to see pictures and hear all about it. The company I work for owns the newspaper in Lihue, Kauai and I keep trying to figure out a some reason that I need to go visit! And we love to hear about Aulani. We plan to get there someday (was supposed to be next summer) but other trips keep popping up. Fortunately one of those is NYE Fantasy cruise in 2013

Safe travels!

 

[anewmac]

I have my computer back!!!! So i can get in a few updates (hopefully) before we leave for Hawaii ON FRIDAY!!!! Seriously- I am OUT OF MY MIND excited, I actually am having to calm myself down for it, or else I won't sleep all week-
i would be the same way

So back on the Disney Dream......

There was SO much to see on this ship! There were also CELEBRITIES everywhere! Like....

Peter Pan and his wench were SOOO excited to meet us! Not everyday the DISmoms are onboard!! But we really couldn't spend all that much time signing autographs, because you know where we were headed..
thats not peter pan thats ROBIN HOOD!

And that Miss Kara, she right! We met Alenka that night- it was the beginning of a beautiful relationship (based entirely on drinking champagne )
every relationship should start like that!

Where we met the world's coolest cocktail menu-

oh my god so many decesions...
After that, it was back to the cabin- where Joanie did her best Titanic impressions, and we met the neighbors-

The next morning, we were docking in Nassau,and we were bright and bushytailed after 10 or 20 minutes of non-snoring related sleep-

Yea- that's right- some DISmoms snore louder than others- not that I'm naming any names, Kara.... We were SO thrilled, because we were docking next to the Magic!
ohh we can have a snore off.. Ive been told I snore but i dont know cuz im always asleep when Im accused.

Then I ordered an omelet (spinach,mushroom & cheese), along with everyone else- and I had about 2 bites. I was stuffed!!
oh yummy

I don't think I ever realized you could order omelets from the waiter at breakfast in the restaurant- something my DH will LOVE when we sail on the Fantasy one day SOON....Because right after breakfast, we all marched up to the future cruise desk, and I booked my family on the Dec 28th, 2013 NYE Cruise on the Fantasy- WITH Kara and family! It was a VERY happy peas & carrots moment!
NICE!!!!

While we were booking, Cammie & Joan cornered the market on DVC chachkies right across from us at the DVC kiosk. SWEET!!! We got some great swag!! Hats, pins, and some luggage handle wraps which make it easy to pick out your luggage at the airport. Thanks DVC!
way to go girls on stocking up on the freebies.. do all you dismoms have DVC?

The next thing on our list of Must-Dos was a little spa time for Cammie, Joanie & I- we all got the same treatment, which was a massage combo deal- I'd ask Cammie or Joan to chime in, but we know how THAT has gone so far in the TR- apparently they both have broken hands, and can't use a computer keyboard! TRAGIC! Anyway- it was a special that was offered once we boarded to be done while in port, and we had booked it the day before. The spa, of course, was gorgeous. This was all in the locker room-
Come on ladies you have been called out!

Cammie & I lucked out and had a treatment room with a view-
relaxing

Of course, I thoroughly enjoyed myself in there, and I will be doing this mystery treatment again when I sail next year- a Spa Sampler? Was that it? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?
im in.. as long as I can take a drink in and no one runs after me LMAO

Kara had no doubt thrown back a dozen or so tequilas by now, so Joanie and I made a beeline to go rescue the surely overworked bartenders from her escapades.

hmm tequilla hmm.. maybe I wont need the massage if I drink enough LOL
Time for a little lunch and Joanie's first International adventure! Next!!
???

Once we had scooped Kara up off the bar floor, it was time to go find something for lunch. We decided to have some of the offerings around the pool area, since- who doesn't love little sammies? This is what was offered that day at Flo's Cafe/Luigi's Pizza, etc-

Joanie was VERY well behaved-

do they still make the paninies on order or are they pre done?

Some little desserts from Cove Cafe-
OH YUM!

And we were good to go! Go off the ship to Nassau, that is. Well, Kara, Joanie & I- Cammie preferred to stay onboard.
Cammie must have read my trip report and was scared

We thought we would go and pick up a shirt for our hubbies at Senor Frogs, right at the port. Other than that, we really had no other plans, and kind of wanted to just hang on the Dream anyway since we only had 4 days to enjoy every inch of her!! We did like seeing the Magic next to her in port, of course-
Good idea i like your thinking!

We walked over to Senor Frogs, took some cute pics swapping cameras with someone (not mine- hopefully Kara's!) and bought some shirts- although, truthfully, the shop had a limited selection compared to other Senor Frogs I have seen- and then went to have a cocktail at the bar there- except...it was closed! It was maybe 1:00 or later- we really were completely baffled! So....we turned around, and headed back for the ship-
WHAT a bar not open at 1pm.. thats just crazy

So....that was the strangest, lamest port experience ever!! I know we didn't really DO anything- I have been to the Bahamas before, to Atlantis and to Sandals, I have even been to swim with the dolphins in the Blue Lagoon, and I think- that's
enough for me. Next year, i'll stay on the ship- which will be just fine!
Umm i dont think so. I need someone to to with me to mail a postcard LOL

WOOHOOO!!!! Just booked 4 nights on the Dream March 24th for Timmy & I- our last Spring break! It could change, but for now.....WOOHOOOO!!!!!!!! I'm gonna have Kara's girl crush all to myself! LOL!! I tried to get Timmy to do a 7 night cruise out of Bayonne on the Explorer again- but he wouldn't go back on that ship without other people- he said he would be bored. But on DCL? No problem!

im so jelly what a fun mom and son memory

Thanks for the aloha!! I'm going to Hawaii tomorrow!!!!! Yipppeeeeeee!

We were in Nassau on a Monday- turns out it was election day- so maybe we'll have to drag drea off the ship to have a cocktail next year since we never did before- think she'll want to do that? Have a cocktail? Lol.....

oh thank god it was a holiday I though maybe people didnt drink in port anymore I was scraed. GIRL take me kicking and screaming! Twist my arm all you want! lol

LOL- that might be me in 2 days! Keep watching!

well spell something out so we know its you.. ohh make a monkey sand castle LOL

 

[MAGICFOR2]

im so jelly what a fun mom and son memory


oh thank god it was a holiday I though maybe people didnt drink in port anymore I was scraed. GIRL take me kicking and screaming! Twist my arm all you want! lol



well spell something out so we know its you.. ohh make a monkey sand castle LOL

Yes, we'll all be looking for you so smile for the camera!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Doin' the Bump!

 

[karajeboo]

So while Ellen is galavanting around HAWAII this week, I'll try to keep this going a bit.....

I roamed around quite a bit while the gals were getting rubbed....

Just some shots of the ship....

Quiet Cove Pool coming from the aft.....

Looking down on it from just about the same spot, but up a deck.

Looking over from in front of the pool, looking aft. This is not adult only, but where I'm standing is, there was a TON of adults only space on this ship!

This was where I was standing in last photo - up on deck, smoking area, adults only.

Looking DOWN on the Magic - big difference in size. But we all know size doesn't matter....

Sweltering HOT area all the way forward, adults only.

The problem is that the plexiglass wall is so high and has no "air holes" or whatever you call them, so air can get through. So it is still and HOT up here! Especially when the ship is still, but even when moving, the air just didn't move.

This is standing one deck above pools, looking forward. Deck above is all adults only.....

Looking aft toward the AquaDuck.

Looking down on the 666 pool. Why do we call it that? Well, because it was HE!! walking through there!!! Kids everywhere, and sooooo crowded! Now I love kids, heck I even have one! But I really think DCL screwed up by putting both pools together on here. It was just pure chaos. Hence the 666 areas.....

I don't think I EVER saw anyone around this little bar area up on deck....

When my girls came back all rubbed and polished, Ellen, Joan and I headed off to see Nassau. Well, we actually headed off to get pics of the ships in port together, and also to hit Senor Frogs for a drink. Cammie decided to hang on the ship and catch some rays..... Not sure if she ever found Ray, but she got some sun.....

I LOVE seeing DCL ships in port together. With only 4 ships in service, it's just so rare!

Continued next post....

 

[karajeboo]

Our first stop was Senor Frogs gift shop to grab some tees for the boys back home....

Ellen high foured him.....

We figured since we were here, might as well grab a drink. But as you now know, it was election day and they elected NOT to open up so we could have a drink!!! What up with that????

So we literally said, "Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt."

Not much else to do so we started heading back to the ship.....

Yeah, we're on the BIG one!!!

Yes, Ellen, we know you're on the BIG one, too!!!

When we got back on board, we grabbed some sandwiches, wraps, etc, for lunch and grabbed some seats right next to the pool bar in the Quiet Cove area......

Very yummy and fresh! I was also shocked that with all the quick serve places together that it was not more crowded! On the Magic, you have three separate quick serve areas, Pluto's Dog House for burgers, Pinocchio's for pizza and Goofy's Galley for sandwiches and fruit. So to see Flo's serving everything shocked me, but there are actually separate serving areas, so it's very efficient.

My cup from home, with a little sumpin sumpin poured from the room, topped off with diet coke from the soda fountain....

It was at this time that I saw him for the first time. Never before have I actually seen him. I've only heard about him. I'm sure you've heard of him, too.

Waldo.

I know where he is now.

Except his name was Paul. So he became... wait for it.....

Pauldo.

For the rest of the trip. And yes, there will be photos.

We grabbed drinks from the bar at the Quiet Cove Pool and I commented that the bartender looked like Waldo, minus the red/white striped sweater. We all chuckled, and little did we know, that PAULDO would be a big part of our cruise!!!!

Before long we all headed back to the cabin to get ready for the night. Tonight's show was Villain's Tonight and Ellen and I encouraged Cammie and Joan to see this show, but we stayed behind to get ready, since we'd already seen this on the Magic. Good show, worth seeing, but not our favorite. But really, even a "bad" show on a Disney cruise is better than most found other places!!!!

Up next, Pauldo is back.......

 

[Beth D]

Wow did I miss a bunch! Been busy, and this TR takes off! Love all the pics of the ships together.

Ellen - Aloha (late)! Can't wait to see the TR from this!

I agree about the pools - with so many kids on the ships it just doesn't make sense. Thank god DS loved being in the club so much, we could hit the adult pool instead!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Bummer - a shore excursion that wasn't. At least you got some fun pics! I love seeing those two sister ships next to each other! Nice deck tour, BTW

 

[LittleGirlGrey]

How were the crowds on the ship? Did you ever feel overwhelmed or not taken care of because of all the extra people?

My mother and I are HUGE Disney Cruise fans *going to Hawaii in 53 days!!! * but I have anxiety issues with large crowds so we've been hesitant on not doing the Fantasy or Dream because of that.

Did you guys ever feel like there were just to many people?

 

[karajeboo]

How were the crowds on the ship? Did you ever feel overwhelmed or not taken care of because of all the extra people?

My mother and I are HUGE Disney Cruise fans *going to Hawaii in 53 days!!! * but I have anxiety issues with large crowds so we've been hesitant on not doing the Fantasy or Dream because of that.

Did you guys ever feel like there were just to many people?

I had the same fear before we went and honestly, I never felt it was crowded. The only time was the 666 pool area. It's just chaos in that area, but we avoided it and it was fine. The Quiet Cove Pool also got crowded, it's designed really weird, compared to the Magic, but the adult deck areas were never crowded at all. Honestly, it seemed like we had that forward deck to ourselves. The dining rooms are larger, but it didn't feel any more crowded than the dining rooms on the Magic. I was pleasantly surprised.

AND we usually had the lounges to ourselves too! I'm thinking the longer cruises will allow adults more time to escape, but we literally had Pink, Skyline, and Evolution to ourselves several times......

 

[LittleGirlGrey]

I had the same fear before we went and honestly, I never felt it was crowded. The only time was the 666 pool area. It's just chaos in that area, but we avoided it and it was fine. The Quiet Cove Pool also got crowded, it's designed really weird, compared to the Magic, but the adult deck areas were never crowded at all. Honestly, it seemed like we had that forward deck to ourselves. The dining rooms are larger, but it didn't feel any more crowded than the dining rooms on the Magic. I was pleasantly surprised.

AND we usually had the lounges to ourselves too! I'm thinking the longer cruises will allow adults more time to escape, but we literally had Pink, Skyline, and Evolution to ourselves several times......

Oh good! Thank you! Thats what I was hoping for. Is it really called the 666 pool area?

 

[karajeboo]

Oh good! Thank you! Thats what I was hoping for. Is it really called the 666 pool area?

No, but it should be!

 

[anewmac]

Having 2 boys in different ages I can see why theydid the 666pools close, when we were on the magic P wanted to be in the big pool and J wanted to do mickeys and the slide. So having them closer I can understand. But it would have been nicer to see them spready out more (guess not really able to do with the dynamics of the ship LOL)

Good idea to bring a cup from home!!! *note to self*

 

[englishrose47]

Have to keep up ready for Our Cruise next year!!!!

 

[Princess Bette]

WOOHOOO!!!! Just booked 4 nights on the Dream March 24th for Timmy & I- our last Spring break! It could change, but for now.....WOOHOOOO!!!!!!!! I'm gonna have Kara's girl crush all to myself! LOL!! I tried to get Timmy to do a 7 night cruise out of Bayonne on the Explorer again- but he wouldn't go back on that ship without other people- he said he would be bored. But on DCL? No problem!

Just ran across your trip report and trying to read all 30 pages tonight! As I was reading about all the fun you girls had, I kept thinking how awesome it would be to cruise with y'all. Then I came to this post and got so excited! I will be on this cruise as well! Hope to run into you...I know where to look...Pink!